ICJA – Scholarships for the “5th Year”
Scholarships specifically for Israel study
ASSOCIATED TALMUD TORAHS OF CHICAGO
The Associated Talmud Torahs of Chicago offers many scholarships ranging from $500-5000. The deadline for application is February 6, 2025. http://www.att.org/israel-scholarships/
JUF Scholarships
The Jewish United Fund offers two kinds of scholarships, one based on need (up to $2500) and one based on merit ($1,000). The merit scholarship deadline is March 15, 2025, and the need-based scholarship deadline is June 1, 2025.
http://www.juf.org/israel_experience/Scholarships-College.aspx
FAFSA
This is the largest source for Israel program scholarships. You should be able to use your FAFSA (federal student aid) money for Israel. You can do that by applying to any Jewish college (YU, Stern, Touro, HTC/Touro) and going to Yeshiva/seminary as an “Israel program student” of that university. Start your application here:
http://studentaid.gov/h/apply-for-aid/fafsa
MASA
Funded by the government of Israel, MASA offers scholarships of up to $2800 based on financial needs. Applications are managed by the Israel program the student attends and can only be requested after acceptance.
http://www.masaisrael.org/grants
NCSY
NCSY offers scholarships to students active in NCSY via its Torah Fund. In addition, on their website they have other resources for scholarships. http://ncsy.org/gap/financial-aid-resources/
YOUR YESHIVA/SEMINARY
Many of the yeshivot and seminaries also have funds available for need-based scholarships. There are often conditions attached to the scholarships (e.g., students cannot fly home for Pesach). When available, these funds can be accessed only after acceptance to the program.
Other Scholarship Sources
American Jewish League for Israel
The American Jewish League for Israel offers a scholarship for a year of academic study at an Israeli University. For a full list, see the website. http://www.americanjewishleague.com/scholarships/
Bnai Brith Sports Lodge Scholarship
Bnai Brith Sports Lodge offers scholarships to student-athletes based on need. Scholarships are typically between $1800-5400. ICJA coaches will have more information, but the deadline is February 1, 2025. For more information, contact Brent.novoselsky@aleragroup.com.
Jewish National Fund
You can raise money to be used toward your year in Israel with JNF’s Plant Your Way to Israel program. Ask your friends and family to plant trees with the Jewish National Fund, half of the funds will go to support JNF forestry projects in Israel, and the other half will be held in a special account on your behalf. The funds can be redeemed to support your trip to Israel. You can conveniently manage your PYW account online through a personalized fundraising webpage. Register today, and get more information at, www.jnf.org/pyw. Questions? Contact education@jnf.org or (212) 879-9305, ext. 263.
Rabbi Benzion Klatzko/College Outreach
Rabbi Klatzko, National Director of College Outreach, offers airfare and tuition scholarships for students to go to Israel on various Jewish experience trips, including touring, ulpan, tzedek trips offered by many organizations. In addition, Rabbi Klatzko offers scholarships to those students who have already been on a Jewish experience trip and now want to return and study in select Yeshivot or Seminaries in or around Jerusalem. The amount of the tuition scholarship depends on the need. To apply, email Rabbi Klatzko directly at sagewannabe@aol.com.
Helyn B. Reich Memorial Scholarship Fund
This fund was established in 1995 in memory of Helyn B. Reich, wife of founding AZM President Seymour D. Reich. Reich scholarships are awarded each fall and spring to a limited number of American students who choose to study at one of several designated Israeli universities or attend post-college long-term programs. The scholarship seeks to recognize candidates who have demonstrated academic excellence and pro-Israel activity in their personal lives and show a commitment to future involvement with the Jewish and Zionist community. Preference is given to candidates who decide to spend the full year in Israel. http://azm.org/hbr
Private/Communal Resources
In addition to these sources, often synagogues and their rabbis have more information about additional scholarships for those in need. Please do not hesitate to contact your rabbi or our Israel Guidance counselors, Rabbi Oren and Mrs. Kraft, for more information.
